Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song has suspended star goalkeeper Andre Onana. The decision came ahead of the team’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Serbia on Monday. Onana was not on the team sheet for the match.
“The Cameroon Football Federation informs the public that following the decision of Mr. Rigobert Song Bahanag, head coach of the Indomitable Lions, the player Andre Onana has been temporarily suspended from the group for disciplinary reasons,” read a statement on the situation.
“The Cameroon Football Federation reiterates its full support to the head coach and all his staff in implementing the federation’s policy aimed at preserving discipline, solidarity, complementarity and cohesion within the national team.”
Cameroon coach suspends Andre Onana
The Inter Milan goalkeeper previously played the opening match of the World Cup for Cameroon. However, the Indomitable Lions lost the match 1-0 against Switzerland. After the loss, Onana and Song apparently started a fight based on team tactics. Devis Epassy, 29, replaced Onana among the posts on Monday.
The goalkeeper denies that it was problematic
Onana replied. He stated that he “always behaved in a way that led the team to success in a good way.”
“Yesterday I was not allowed to be on the field to help Cameroon, as I always do, to achieve the goals of the team,” Onana continued. “I have put all my effort and energy into finding solutions to a situation that a footballer often experiences, but there has been no will from the other side. There are difficult moments to assimilate”.
“However, I always respect and support the decisions of the people charged with pursuing the success of our team and country.”
Cameroon must beat Brazil on Friday if they want to advance to the knockout stage. The African nation must also hope that Serbia can get a result against Switzerland as well.
PHOTO: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT
